Editing Wharton Square

{{Infobox Park
| name = Wharton Square
| image =
| image_caption = Wharton Square Park in South Philadelphia
| type = Neighborhood square / Park
| location = South Philadelphia (Point Breeze)
| coordinates = 39.9280,-75.1780
| area = 4 acres
| established = 1850s
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| features = Playground, sports courts, spray ground, community space
| hours = Dawn to dusk
| transit = SEPTA bus routes
| website = https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder
}}

'''Wharton Square''' is a 4-acre neighborhood park in the [[Point Breeze]] section of [[South Philadelphia]], bounded by 22nd, 23rd, Reed, and Wharton Streets. The park serves as a vital community gathering space for the surrounding neighborhood, offering playground facilities, sports courts, and open green space in a historically working-class area experiencing significant change.<ref name="wharton">{{cite web |url=https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder/#/locationDetails/3282 |title=Wharton Square |publisher=Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Wharton Square anchors the Point Breeze community and reflects the neighborhood's evolving character.

== History ==

=== Origins ===

Wharton Square was established in the mid-19th century:
* Part of South Philadelphia's development
* Named for Thomas Wharton (colonial merchant and politician)
* Served industrial neighborhood workers
* Traditional urban square

=== Neighborhood History ===

Point Breeze developed as:
* Working-class neighborhood
* African-American community since mid-20th century
* Industrial and residential mix
* Strong neighborhood identity

=== Recent Changes ===

The neighborhood has experienced:
* Significant gentrification since 2010s
* New development and renovation
* Demographic shifts
* Community tensions around change

== Features ==

=== Playground ===

* Modern play equipment
* Age-appropriate areas
* Safe surfaces
* Family use

=== Spray Ground ===

'''Seasonal water play:'''
* Summer spray features
* Free to use
* Popular with children
* Beat-the-heat destination

=== Sports Facilities ===

* Basketball courts
* Multi-purpose court
* Open field areas

=== Open Space ===

* Lawn areas
* Shade trees
* Benches
* Picnic space

== Using the Park ==

=== Daily Activities ===

* Playground visits
* Basketball
* Summer spray ground
* Dog walking
* Community socializing

=== Community Role ===

Wharton Square serves as:
* Neighborhood gathering place
* Youth recreation
* Community events venue
* Daily green space

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Dawn to dusk
* Spray ground: Summer months

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' 22nd to 23rd Streets, Reed to Wharton Streets

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Bus 29
* Walk from Broad Street Line (Tasker-Morris)

'''By Car:'''
* Street parking available

=== Tips ===

* Spray ground is great on hot summer days
* The neighborhood has new restaurants and cafes
* Explore Point Breeze's changing streetscape
* Respect the community space

== Neighborhood Context ==

'''Point Breeze''' is experiencing significant change:
* Historic African-American neighborhood
* Rapid gentrification
* New development
* Community organizing around change
* Mix of longtime and new residents

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Point Breeze]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood
* '''[[Grays Ferry]]''' — West
* '''[[Graduate Hospital]]''' — North
* '''[[Passyunk Square]]''' — East
* '''[[Schuylkill River]]''' — West

== See Also ==

* [[Point Breeze]]
* [[South Philadelphia]]
* [[Dickinson Square]]
* [[Passyunk Square]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Finder]

{{#seo:
|title=Wharton Square Philadelphia - Point Breeze Neighborhood Park
|description=Guide to Wharton Square Park in South Philadelphia's Point Breeze neighborhood. Playground, spray ground, sports courts, and community green space.
|keywords=Wharton Square Philadelphia, Point Breeze parks, South Philadelphia parks, Philadelphia spray grounds, Philadelphia playgrounds
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Recreation]]